Rebel EOS XS or Rebel EOS t2i

[bookloveraz]

I'm posting this on behalf of a friend of mine. She has saved up for a while and now is hoping to get one of these cameras. She's a very beginning beginner, but wants to learn how to use all the settings, and wants the camera to last for a long time. Someday she wants to be able to take portraits for people -- not becoming a professional, but being able to take really great photos. If you've used either of these cameras and have any helpful advice, please reply. she just wants to get the best one for the best price.

[inkista]

I haven't used either, but I'd actually vote for the T2i--it's a much newer and more capable camera (hence the higher price tag), but if it's too expensive, a T1i might be as good. While the XS is a great camera but compared to the T1i and T2i, it has a less sophisticated autofocus system, cannot use a wireless remote, has a much older sensor, worse high iso performance, and no video capability. It's really for those on a rock-bottom budget. If you can afford better, there's more bang for the buck in the higher-end models.

I'd also say that if your friend doesn't care about video or the latest bells and whistles and plans to pursue photography full time as a student/pro, then ditching the plastic bodies and going for a used mid-range camera, like a 40D or 50D might also be worth looking into. The price for a refurbished 40D body on the Canon website is $700, and a 50D body is $900. Used would be even lower. While the T2i sensor and video capability will be nicer than the older XXDs, they will have hardier metal bodies that can stand up to heavy use better, as well as improved shooting features and ergonomics. But if your friend is only going to be shooting as a hobby, then a dRebel xxxD may be a better fit, since progress to needing those more advanced features will be slower than if she were shooting full time.

Paying more doesn't necessarily mean you're going to keep the camera longer. It just means you'll have more features to enjoy while you own it. These are still digital electronic devices. More expensive cellphones don't tend to live in your pocket a lot longer than cheaper ones.

[retro_pony]

When I was shopping I was shopping the XSi, T1i and T2i. Everything I found and several people I talked to, made it easier between the T1 and T2, unless you are getting into lots of video, T1 over T2, not really gaining much more from 15MP to 18MP - just taking up that much more memory with each shot.

The XS and XSi, seems slightly on the getting started side, not as many bells/whistles. Enjoying my T1i for a few months now. Wish her good luck and enjoy it!!!

[V8Demon]

I've had my XS for 3 years now. I've concentrated on upgrading lenses and supporting hardware before the camera. I do have to agree with what was stated earlier in the thread concerning noise @ high ISO. I've seen what the newer EOS crop sensor models can do as far as processing the high ISO noise out and they flat out outperform the XS in that regard IMO.


At the same time; you're looking at about a $300 price difference which for someone who is entering the market and unsure of whether or not they wish to expand on it can be THE deciding factor.


I'm currently in debate about my own camera upgrade; 60D or 7D? I've yet to actually get my hands on a 7D long enough to see firsthand how the RAW image quality is.

[inkista]

I wouldn't go to the 7D solely for RAW ISO performance. It shares a processor/sensor with the 60D and T2i, so the image quality and iso performance across all three models is going to be very similar. Get the 7D if you need the higher-end features like the burst frame rate, the sophisticated AF system, the metal body, and autofocus microadjust. Otherwise, a 60D will probably do you, as well as give you two features the 7D doesn't have: a flip-out screen for video and interchangeable focus screens.

[fredzilla]

I own both the XS and T2i. Both take really nice photos. However the T2i is much better at high ISO settings. Here is a link to some pics taken with a T2i at very high ISO. The first @ 12800, the second @ 6400 and the third @3200...
High ISO using new camera T2i...

[V8Demon]

Thanks for the pics Fred!

Love the F-86!!!

[roses5682]

I found all your responses and explanations very helpfull. I am going to take the plunge and buy a T1i in the next few days. so excited.